Emergency inflation Kayak, Canoe paddle

ABSTRACT

This invention provides rapid, on-demand increase in buoyancy of a kayak or canoe paddle. The invention includes any method to increase paddle buoyancy including but not limited to automotive air bag technology (explosive gas), compressed gas or other means. The paddle shafts are hollow and can contain all the devices to provide the inflation. Multiple triggers on the shaft and handle provide for positive operation only when demanded by the paddler.

This invention turns a single or double bladed kayak or canoe paddle into a highly buoyant rescue aid. Manual triggers inflate one or both paddle blades with compressed gas or explosive gas. FIG. 1 thru FIG. 5 shows two bladed and one bladed paddle's before and after inflation.

After inflation, blades can be collapsed for continued paddling. Paddle must be serviced before another emergency inflation can be initiated by the paddler.

BACKGROUND

Kayak or Canoe paddlers can inadvertently become capsized in rough water. Some paddlers can execute a roll back to upright by a series of moves sometimes referred to as an Eskimo roll, a C-C roll or others. The maneuvers require the paddler to position the paddle blade at the proper angle to the water surface while sweeping the paddle in order to get leverage to roll themselves and the boat back to an upright position.

A paddler may make several attempts to roll upright before succeeding and sometimes is unsuccessful. If unsuccessful the paddler remains upside down with their head below the surface of the water, vulnerable to underwater obstructions (rocks, reefs) and unable to make maneuvers required for continued safe paddling. At this point the paddler must make a “wet exit” which the paddler separates himself from the kayak or canoe and swims to the surface of the water. The paddler is now out of the boat and floating down river or adrift at sea with no control. This is an unsafe time subjecting the paddler to the elements of his surroundings.

DESCRIPTION OF TYPICAL USE

A Kayak or Canoe paddler capsizes in a river, ocean, or lake.

The paddler attempts several roll maneuvers and fails to return to the upright position.

The upside down paddler is faced with underwater obstructions (rocks, reefs), or exiting the kayak or canoe and losing control of direction.

The paddler manually triggers the inflation of one or both blades with trigger mechanisms on the paddle shaft, and or “T” handle. Compressed gas, or explosive gas (automotive SRS technology) inflates the blade(s).

Then regardless of blade angle or water density (foamy) the paddler uses the inflated paddle to lever or pull oneself to the upright position. This is similar to a paddler who has manually installed an inflation bag on his paddle as done in training to learn to roll upright.

The blade is then deflated with the triggers and the paddle can be used to paddle to shore.

If this still fails to aid the paddler in regaining the upright position, the paddler will exit his kayak or canoe. At this point the inflated paddle is ready to be used to allow the paddler to climb back in his kayak or canoe. 

1. This invention will allow the paddler to inflate one or both paddle blades and provide buoyancy that will allow the paddler to roll the kayak or canoe back to upright position regardless of blade angle or water density.
 2. This invention will allow the paddler to regain entry to the kayak or canoe if the paddler has done a wet exit and is out of the boat.
 1. According to claim 1 or 2 the inflation of one canoe or Kayak paddle blade with compressed gas.
 2. According to claim 1 or 2 the inflation of one canoe or kayak blade with explosive gas.
 3. According to claim 1 or 2 the inflation of one canoe or kayak blade by other methods.
 4. According to claim 1 or 2 the inflation of two kayak blades by compressed gas.
 5. According to claim 1 or 2 the inflation of two kayak blades by explosive gas.
 6. According to claim 1 or 2 the inflation of two kayak blades by other methods.
 7. According to claim 1 or 2 the collapse of one canoe or kayak blade.
 8. According to claim 1 or 2 the collapse of two kayak blades.
 9. According to claim 1 or 2 the increase of buoyancy of one or two paddle blades by other means. 